6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cranberries For Kids

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Are you thinking of introducing cranberry in your child’s diet, but are confused whether it would be safe for him or not? Do you wonder how it would benefit your child? If these are questions on your mind, fret not as we are here to solve all your confusions.

Cranberry is a staple of the holidays but is also a super food that you must include in your kid’s diet. Once called ‘craneberry’ due to its resemblance to cranes, this tasty berry is a nutritional powerhouse. It has been complementing the Christmas and holiday meals for decades. And its nourishing abilities have been famous for generations. Read on to know how cranberries can benefit your children.

Benefits Of Cranberries For Kids

Cranberry can make your kid healthier from head to toe. Some of the benefits of introducing cranberry for kids include:

1. Nutritionally Rich Fruit:

The North American recognized the nutritional properties of cranberries far before science. He used the berry to cure blood poisoning and st

op bleeding. Sailors would eat these red berries during the international voyages to keep scurvy at bay. A ½ cup serving of cranberry will provide your child with 10% of his daily value of vitamin C. It is also rich in minerals like copper, manganese, and potassium.

[ Read: Health Benefits Of Avocados For Kids ]

2. Rich In Antioxidants:

Cranberry is an antioxidant-rich fruit. It contains antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and vitamin A. These compounds help reduce oxidative damage and strengthen the immune system. Proanthocyanidins also kill the bacteria that stick to the inside of the body. Now that’s one powerful punch for a tiny berry.

3. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases:

The polyphenols in cranberries will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It prevents the platelet build up and reduces blood pressure via the anti-inflammatory mechanism.

[ Read: Healthy Fruit Snacks For Kids ]

4. Prevents Urinary Tract Infection:

Cranberries are popular for treating and preventing urinary tract infections. Cranberries help flush out E. coli bacteria out of the bladder, thereby preventing urinary tract infection.

5. Dental Health:

Children are quite careless when it comes to dental health. But including cranberries in their diet can solve the problem too. According to the researchers at the Center for Oral Biology, the antioxidants in cranberries will reduce the bacteria on your child’s teeth. It is also beneficial in preventing gum diseases.

[ Read: Signs of Gum Disease In Children ]

6. Controls Obesity:

Obesity is one of the most common health conditions in children. The high fiber in cranberries will reduce the possibility of obesity in your kids. Besides, fiber in cranberries will also strengthen his digestive system.

Uses:

A great thing about cranberries is that they come in a myriad of forms. So you can easily incorporate the berry in your child’s meals. Here are some ways to add cranberries to your kid’s diet.

Dried Cranberries:

Toss some dried cranberries into a trail mix for an after school snack. Sprinkle some dried cranberries over a salad for some sweetness. Top your child’s fiber packed cereals with dried cranberries. It will change the texture and will keep your child energized throughout the day.

Frozen Cranberries:

Blend the tart berry into a healthy and hearty smoothie. Stuff baked apples with cinnamon and cranberries for a warm treat on a winter evening. Stir in some fresh cranberries into the seasonal sauce. Your child will indulge in it throughout the year. Mix some cranberries into pancakes and bran muffin batter to give an antioxidant punch to your breakfast.

[ Read: Benefits Of Apple For Kids ]

A Word Of Caution:

Do not give cranberries to your child if he is taking blood-thinning medication. Several studies prove that cranberries can enhance the effect of a drug on the body. It can also lead to bleeding in extreme cases. Excessive consumption of cranberries can also increase urinary oxalate excretion. It could promote the formation of kidney stones, even in children.

To conclude, cranberry is an incredibly healthy fruit, and you must include in your child’s diet. But, of course, moderation is the key.

Hope you liked our post on benefits of cranberries for kids. Does your child like cranberries? Which cranberry dish does your child relish the most? If you have any other special cranberry recipes for kids, share with us below.